Obituary: Dr. Robert Merril Fine - Atlanta Jewish Times

Dr. Robert (Bob) Merril Fine, 95, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on Sunday evening, March 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and devoted caregivers.

Bob, originally of Little Rock, Ark., is survived by beloved wife of 66 years, Patricia (Rudman) Fine, daughter, Jacqueline Fine (Mark Feinberg) of Philadelphia, daughter, Cheryl Braitberg, (David Braitberg), and granddaughter, Hannah Braitberg of Atlanta, son, David Fine (Andrea Fine), grandson, Marshall Fine, also of Atlanta, and granddaughter, Allison Fine (Josh Palgon), currently of St. Simon Island. He is predeceased by his parents, Rose Baum Fine and Jack Fine, as well as his brother, Stanley Fine.

He received his undergraduate education at the University of Illinois and Vanderbilt University and received his medical degree from the Tulane University School of Medicine, followed by internship and residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. His residency was interrupted with two years of service in the U.S. Navy, retiring as LCdr in 1959. It was during this time that he met and fell in love with his lifelong partner, Pat.

Bob had a private practice in dermatology in Decatur, Ga., for over 40 years, and concurrently pursued academic excellence via faculty positions at Emory University School of Medicine, culminating in professor of dermatology. He authored/co-authored over 132 scientific publications, and, along with Pat, was an ardent supporter of continued medical education for both seasoned and upcoming researchers and practitioners.

He was a lifelong scholar, passionate teacher and practitioner, putting his heart and soul into treating his most difficult patients and had a special relationship with them. He leaves behind many lifelong and newfound friends and beloved family, who all will sorely miss his bright, engaging mind and spirited debates.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 2, at 2 p.m. at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave, NW, followed by internment at Arlington Memorial Park. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Robert and Patricia Fine Lectureship; Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Patricia and Robert Fine Charitable Fund; Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (Heads Up Conference) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

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